Each year on the anniversary of my parents deaths, we light sky lanterns.
It has become a tradition.
Sky lanterns are whimsical and fun and light up the night sky taking with them a wish, a prayer and many many fond memories and because my parents remains are in urns in my closet, we have no where to go to sit and reflect.
That may change some day, but for now I like them close.
Lucas’ only concern was how high and far the lanterns would go and asked if they would reach heaven. Oh, my heart.
If you don’t know, wish lanterns are known by different names in different areas of the world and in the US and China they are most commonly known as sky lanterns.
The term sky lantern is a literal translation of the Chinese characters that are used in Chinese Kanji, but the sky lantern has been accepted into different areas of the world by different names.
Sky lanterns are traditionally used in Eastern Asia as part of religious or everyday celebrations, with a belief in their ability to bring good luck, and wishes coming true as the lanterns are released and sent up into the heavens, most spectacularly at large scale sky lantern festivals such as the Pingxi festival in Taiwan.
This preserve of traditional Taiwanese culture sees the gathering of thousands of people in the countryside in Taipei county to release sky lanterns. In line with traditional beliefs, the lanterns are thought to bring good luck and carry away troubles and worries into the sky.
Sky lanterns allow you to capture some of the magic of the Pingxi lantern festival and make your own wish as you launch a lantern.
I ordered our sky lanterns from skylantern.com, but many companies sell them. This post was NOT endorsed in anyway.
Linking up with Sarah of The Sunday Spill and Greta of Gfunkified for their #iPPP weekly meme. Photos were taken with my iPhone 4s and are not filtered or edited.
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I’m in tears. I just read about your parents and I am so sorry.
The skylanterns are a beautiful tribute, a wonderful tradition for your family!
Thank you, they are truly beautiful to watch light up the night sky.
I love this idea. I’ve wanted to release these, but I’m always worried about fire or something happening (I know, I’m a freak). I’m going to have to look into it though. I know my kids would like it too.
They don’t get very high before disintegrating. It’s how they’re designed. Safe as can be, but I know what you mean, I get nervous too.
What a beautiful tradition and tribute, Tonya.
It’s a tradition I love.
Beautiul! We have one we want to light for Jack but I’m so afraid of burning something down. How did you pick a good spot? LOVE.
We went to a nearby park. It was empty. The lanterns don’t get very high before disintegrating. It’s how they’re designed. Safe as can be, but I know what you mean, I get nervous too.
This is gorgeous. What an awesome AWESOME tradition!
They are really beautiful to watch float up into the sky.
That is a beautiful things to do in memory of your parents.
I love the way the lanterns look floating in the sky…. so peaceful and pretty.
Yes! They are very peaceful. It’s a nice tradition.
What a beautiful thing to do! Your parents are in your heart and mind! They will always be with you just like my father is with me always! And, of course, they will reach Heaven like Lucas asked. So sweet of him.
It’s a small yearly gesture, but one that I truly enjoy.
What a beautiful thing to do. I simply love this post!!
Thank you It’s a tradition I’m proud of upholding.
Such a beautiful tradition, Tonya.
It’s a small act, but very meaningful to me.
Such a beautiful way to honor the memories of your parents. xoxo
Thanks, it’s small gesture, but one that I’m proud of.
What a beautiful way of honouring your parents.
Sending off a lantern makes a rough day a little easier.
Sky lanterns are truly amazing floating into the sky at night.
They are whimsical and fun and I love them!
I love this tradition you have. it’s such a beautiful way to honor those you will love forever. big hugs!
Thanks, Sarah. It’s a simple and unique way to honor them.
What a beautiful and symbolic event. I’m sure it will be one that stays with your children forever. My father passed away last New Year’s Eve. What a wonderful thing to do at the close of the year. I’ll definitely look at that site.
Oh, I hope you will. We enjoy the tradition and it makes a tough dya just a little easier.
These are lovely photos and it really is such a perfect way to think about mom and dad. I wish that I still had some lanterns for Tuesday night. I am glad that we both through the day the best way that we could. I love you very much, Tonya. XOXO
I thought you bought that Groupon too? I think I have 12. It’s a small gesture, but one that I love.
I think that’s a beautiful tradition, and it’s something that kids can take part of and understand fro themselves. In a similar way, we released balloons at my husband’s grandma’s funeral, and the kids still talk about them going to Heaven sometimes.
(I also have an urn in the closet. I get it.)
Lucas definitely got into more this year than ever. It makes a tough day kind of sort of fun.
I looking forward to watching this entire series. Genealogy enthusiasts like myself appreciate this type of programming so much, and we only wish there were more of it. I so glad that I received notice of the upcoming series in a newsletter I received from the Warren County Genealogical Society (in Ohio).